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When did you realize you were really in labor?
When my contractions started to hurt and I couldn't ignore them.
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What was the most challenging thing about going natural?
I still had to have them break my water after I stalled around 8/9 cent. dilated, and I had an IV for the GBS antibiotics, but I didn't have any pain meds so it was still natural to me. The biggest challenge this time was figuring out what worked this labor to manage the pain (some was the same as the first time, some was different).
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What was the most helpful thing you did to prepare for childbirth?
Remind and reassure myself that I could do it (again)!
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What surprised you about your birth?
How quickly it went- I only pushed for six minutes, after only about 6 hours of labor. I was also surprised that he was sunny side up, since he hadn't been (must have been a flip he did late in the game!). I also felt different after this birth than I did after my first- this time I didn't have the adrenaline "high" afterwards, but this time I also recovered more quickly.
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Believe in yourself and your body and your baby. Take one contraction at a time (focus on the moment and just make it through one at time). No matter how bad it may feel (yes, it WILL hurt), it's just one long day that will soon end and you'll have your sweet baby and will soon forget the pain.
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What pain relief strategies worked best?
I got in a warm bath for awhile and that slight counter pressure and warmth felt great. I also used a birthing ball intermittently, and had my husband push on my lower back during each contraction. Just focusing on my breathing really was my main strategy. My husband is an awesome birth partner!!
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What position did you end up delivering in?
On my back in the hospital bed. I had wanted to try a different position this time, but that ended up being most comfortable for me again.
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How did it feel to hold your baby for the first time?
I felt joy and relief, but it was still so surreal at that moment;
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What advice can you give to other mamas who want to go natural?
Believe in yourself and your body and your baby. Take one contraction at a time (focus on the moment and just make it through one at time). No matter how bad it may feel (yes, it WILL hurt), it's just one long day that will soon end and you'll have your sweet baby and will soon forget the pain. And if you ended up deciding to use pain meds, don't beat yourself up about it- just like a marriage is more important than the wedding, your baby is more important than his/her birth.
